Pioneers dominate the javelin in day one of WIAC Championships

Written by: Eileen McGuine, UW-Platteville Athletics 

LA CROSSE, Wis. — University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneers competed in the first day of the WIAC Track and Field Championships. The women's team competed at the beginning of the day followed by the men's team this afternoon. 

Emily Kjos, a freshman from Lancaster, Wis., captured first place in the javelin throw, throwing 35.02 meters. "I expected to throw farther, but I was happy with how I competed today," said Kjos. 

Kiera Depies, a freshman from Cedar Grove, Wis., placed eighth in the 10,000 meter run in a time of 39:04.56. "The run felt so rewarding placing eighth. My kick in the last lap helped me so much," said Depies. 

Lynea Axelson, a junior from Oregon, Ill., qualified in the 800 meter run in a time of 2:18.89. The 800 meter finals will run at 3 p.m. tomorrow. 

Caitlin Thomson, a sophomore from Whitehall, Wis., and Stephanie Wyss, a junior from Monroe, Wis., are going into tomorrow's competition in sixth place and ninth place in the women's heptathlon. 

Keturah Vangen, a senior from Rio, Wis., is seeded seventh in the 400 meter hurdles with a time of 1:08.37 minutes. The 400 meter hurdles will compete at 3:20 p.m. tomorrow. 

The men's team had several Pioneers make it to tomorrow's final events. 

Matt Ziegler, a senior from Madison, Wis., is seeded fourth in the 400 meter run with a qualifying time of 49.32. The 400 meter run will compete at 2:30 p.m. tomorrow. 

T.J. Valley, a junior from Prairie du Chien, Wis., and Patrick Kessenich, a junior from Milwaukee, Wis., are seeded first and eighth in the 110 hurdles. The 110 hurdles will compete at 2:10 p.m. tomorrow. 

Aaron Hrubes, a senior from Madison, Wis., is seeded first in both the 100 meter dash and 200 meter dash. The 100 meter dash will compete at 2:50 p.m. and the 200 meter dash will compete at 3:35 p.m. tomorrow. 

Casey Goffinet, a senior from Platteville, Wis., also qualified in the 100 meter dash and is seeded ninth with a time of 11.04 seconds. 

Chas Spangenberg, a senior from Appleton, Wis., finished second place in the pole vault with a jump of 4.82 meters. Teammate, Malichi Romportl, a freshman from Rice Lake, Wis., tied for third place with Justin Hermshort of UW-Stevens Point with a mark of 4.72 meters. 

The men's 4x800 meter relay consisting of Joel Walden, a sophomore from Byron, Ill.; Darren Hudziak, a freshman from Wild Rose, Wis.; Matt Kocak, a sophomore from Jackson, Minn.; and anchor Jason Henkins, a sophomore from Kewanee, Ill., ran a time of 7:45.18. Henkins outkicked UW-Eau Claire's anchor at the line to capture second place. 

The men's javelin swept first, second and third places to round out the first days events. Evan Buck, a junior from Anamosa, Iowa, placed third. Dan Poh, a sophomore from Crivitz, Wis., took second place behind sophomore Mark Niemann of Crystal Lake, Ill., who captured first place. 

"We are ready to bring the competition in tomorrow's events," said head track and field coach, Chris Rotzenberg.